The quote from Michael Crichton's "Dragon Teeth" highlights the conflict inherent in the desire to remove Native Americans from their lands to make way for white settlers. It underscores the tension between the goals of expansion and the moral implications of achieving those goals without causing harm. The idea of wanting to clear land while simultaneously wishing to avoid violence reflects a deep contradiction in the colonization mindset.

This sentiment reveals the unrealistic nature of such ambitions, as the act of displacement inevitably involves suffering and conflict. Crichton illustrates the harsh realities of these historical dynamics, showcasing the complexities of human motivations when confronted with issues of land, power, and ethics. The quote serves as a critique of the naive belief that aggressive expansion can occur without consequences for those affected.